Seismic clip for ceiling panels

ABSTRACT

Suspended ceiling systems having seismic clips for holding ceiling panel down so as to prevent the panel from becoming dislodged during a seismic event are provided. The seismic clip generally includes at least one wing ending in a bent foot. The wing is attached to a tab that has a catch projecting therefrom. The tab and catch act to fasten the seismic clip to a grid and the wing contacts the upper surface of a panel so as to inhibit upward movement of the panel. A safety clip is also provided that is attached to a ceiling panel and that engages a portion of the ceiling grid when the ceiling panel is dislodged and falls from its predetermined position within the ceiling system.

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Serial No. 60/368,487, filed Mar. 29, 2002, which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This invention relates generally to suspended ceiling systemsand, more particularly, to devices for maintaining ceiling panels inplace within a ceiling grid.

BACKGROUND

[0004] As the service sector of the economy grows, more and more workersfind themselves in offices rather than manufacturing facilities. Theneed for flexible reconfigurable office space has resulted in open planworkspaces; large rooms with reduced ceiling height and, in many cases,modular office partitions that can be moved and reconfigured withrelative ease. Modular ceiling panels or suspended ceilings allowlighting, paging, and other ceiling mounted systems to be reconfiguredand provide accessibility to equipment within the plenum space betweenthe suspended ceiling and the hard ceiling. The ceiling panels ofsuspended ceilings also can provide fire and visual barriers between theplenum and people below.

[0005] Such suspended ceilings typically consist of a plurality ofindividual ceiling panels supported by a suspended gridwork made up of aseries of T-shaped cross supports. L-shaped wall moldings support theceiling panels around the periphery of the room, with the cross supportsextending across the room so as to form a series of square orrectangular openings each sized to receive and support a ceiling panel.In this regard, the dimensions (i.e. length and width) of the openingsgenerally are slightly less than the dimensions (i.e. length and width)of the ceiling panels so that the peripheral edges of the panels rest onthe cross supports.

[0006] Most ceiling panels are manufactured in standard square orrectangular sizes. Some ceiling panels further have simple square cutedges and are supported within a ceiling opening with their edgesresting on the cross supports. More decorative ceiling panels are, insome cases, formed with reverse rabbetted edges sometimes referred to as“kerfed edges”. Such kerfed edges on ceiling panels generally have aninverted L-shaped cross section or slot that forms a flange or a lipconfigured to rest on the cross supports and/or wall moldingssurrounding an opening. As a result, when a ceiling panel with kerfededges is positioned within its grid opening, the face of the panelresides slightly below the plane of the support grid. This provides aclean decorative appearance while permitting the panels to be installedquickly and easily after the gridwork is hung.

[0007] During a seismic event of sufficient intensity, such as anearthquake, the ceiling panels can become dislodged and fall from thesuspended ceiling system, generally causing damage to the panels andposing an injury hazard to the room occupants. Therefore, there is aneed for a suspended ceiling system that provides mechanisms by whichceiling panels remain secured therein during a seismic event.

SUMMARY

[0008] Briefly described, the present invention comprises a suspendedceiling system wherein individual ceiling panels are maintained inposition during a seismic or jarring event. The ceiling system includesa series of clips that cooperate with both a ceiling grid and one ormore ceiling panels to maintain the panel(s) in position adjacent thegrid, even when the suspended ceiling system is exposed to seismicand/or other jarring forces. Each clip generally includes at least onewing or side section having a tab projecting therefrom, with a catchattached to or projecting from the tab. The tab and the catch of eachclip cooperate with a portion of the ceiling grid so that the clip canbe fastened in place. When the clip is in a locking position installedon the ceiling, its wing contacts an adjacent ceiling panel andgenerally inhibits upward movement of the panel edge, thereby preventingthe panel from becoming dislodged from the grid.

[0009] The clips further can comprise a metal band that is bent in thecenter to form a pair of side sections or wings that are generallycurled near their ends. A portion of each wing is cut and bent inwardlyto form a tab. A section of the tab of each wing is also die cut andbent to form a catch, with the catches of each wing generally being benttoward each other. In use, each clip will be fastened to the grid of thesuspended ceiling system by sliding its tabs downwardly over a bulb orcenter section of a T-bar of the grid so as to allow the catches toclear the bottom of the bulb. The angled catches engage the bottom ofthe bulb so as to retard upward movement of the clip. Each wing of eachclip extends downwardly from the center of the clip on one side of theT-bar and engages and bears against the top surface of a ceiling paneladjacent that side of the T-bar so as to resist any upward movement ofthe ceiling panel.

[0010] The present invention also encompasses a suspended ceiling systemhaving one or more safety clips attached to individual ceiling panels,wherein the safety clip(s) prevent the individual ceiling panels fromfalling even after the panels become dislodged from the ceiling grid.Each safety clip generally includes a base with an arm extendingupwardly at an angle therefrom and having a hook or catch at the freeend. The safety clip is attached to the upper surface of a ceiling paneladjacent a T-bar of the ceiling grid when installed. The safety clip isoriented on the ceiling panel so that its arm extends upwardly andoutwardly beyond the panel edge, such that when the panel is installedon the ceiling grid, the hook of the safety clip is aligned above theadjacent T-bar. The hook accordingly engages the T-bar when the edge ofthe panel to which it is attached drops a sufficient distance.

[0011] The invention is also directed to the method for assembling theceiling system. The clips are inserted onto respective beams of theceiling grid prior to installation of a respective panel into a gridopening. With the clip properly positioned, the respective panel isinserted at an angle through the respective grid opening, such that therespective panel engages and resiliently deforms a first respectiveclip. As insertion continues, the panel is rotated and is then moved ina direction which is essentially parallel to the plane of the ceilinggrid, causing the respective panel to engage and resiliently deform asecond respective clip. The respective panel is then aligned in properposition in the respective grid opening such that the respective panelis properly seated in the respective grid opening. In this position, therespective clips exert a force on the respective panel to maintain thepanel in the properly seated position.

[0012] These and other features, objects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent upon review of the detaileddescription set forth below when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which are briefly described as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seismic clip that embodiesprinciples of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2a is a side elevational view of the seismic clip of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 2b is a side elevational view of the seismic clip as in FIG.2a with exemplary dimensions provided for particular features of theseismic clip.

[0016]FIG. 3a is a front elevational view of the seismic clip of FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 3b is a front elevational view of the seismic clip as in FIG.3a with exemplary dimensions provided for particular features thereof.

[0018]FIG. 4a is a top plan view of the seismic clip of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 4b is a top plan view of the seismic clip as in FIG. 4a withexemplary dimensions provided for particular features thereof.

[0020]FIG. 5a is a front elevational view the highlighted section ofFIG. 3FIG. 5b is a front elevational view as in FIG. 5a with exemplarydimensions provided for particular features thereof.

[0021]FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a suspended ceiling systemembodying principles of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 6b is a side elevational view of a section of the suspendedceiling system of FIG. 6a.

[0023]FIG. 6c is a side elevational view of an edge of a ceiling panelwith an A profile.

[0024]FIG. 6d is a side elevational view of an edge of a ceiling panelwith a B profile.

[0025]FIG. 6e is a side elevational view of an edge of a ceiling panelwith a C and/or D profile.

[0026]FIG. 7a is a perspective view of another embodiment of a suspendedceiling system embodying principles of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 7b is a side elevational view of a section of the suspendedceiling system of FIG. 7a.

[0028]FIG. 8a is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of asuspended ceiling system embodying principles of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 8b is a side elevational view of a section of the suspendedceiling system of FIG. 8a.

[0030]FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a section of a suspendedceiling system of the present invention with a seismic clip cooperatingwith ceiling panels and a T-bar of the grid of the system.

[0031]FIG. 10a is a side elevational view of a safety clip that embodiesprinciples of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 10b is a side elevational view of the safety clip of FIG. 10awith exemplary dimensions provided for particular features thereof.

[0033]FIG. 11a is a top plan view of the safety clip of FIG. 10a.

[0034]FIG. 11b is a top plan view of the safety clip as shown in FIG.11a with exemplary dimensions provided for particular features thereof.

[0035]FIG. 12a is a front elevational view of the safety clip of FIG.10a.

[0036]FIG. 12b is a front elevational view of the safety clip as shownin FIG. 12a with exemplary dimensions provided for particular featuresthereof.

[0037]FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a section of a suspendedceiling system of the present invention with a seismic clip cooperatingwith a T-bar of the grid of the system prior to the installation of theceiling panel.

[0038]FIGS. 14a through 14 d are schematic horizontal sectional views,with the panel first and second edges A and B in profile, showing theprogressive steps of installing the panel in the ceiling system of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which likenumerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-9illustrate seismic clips for use with ceiling panels and suspendedceiling systems that embody principles of the present invention. FIGS.6a, 7 a, 8 a and 9 illustrate the clip of this invention as it appearswhen installed in various suspended ceiling systems.

[0040]FIGS. 1 through 5b illustrate one embodiment of a seismic clip 10of the present invention. In this embodiment, each seismic clip 10 isformed from a metal band 16, such as by die-cutting, stamping or othermetal formation processes. However, the present invention alsoencompasses seismic clips that are formed from more than one piece ofmaterial. The material from which the clip is formed may be, forexample, galvanized steel, although various other metals, alloys andsynthetic materials that are suitable for use in suspended ceilingsystems and that meet the necessary building code requirements also maybe used. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 3 a, each clip 10 generally has a twowings 22 a and 22 b that are joined at the midpoint of the band 16 by ajoint 18, and generally are aligned at an approximately 90° angle atjoint 18. This point of attachment of the wings or joint 18 of theseismic clip of the present invention alternatively may be formed acontinuous curvature or arc without delineated joint.

[0041] Each wing 22 a and 22 b generally includes a shoulder portion 24a and 24 b, respectively, there along at which the lower portions ofwings 22 a and 22 b extend inwardly and downwardly toward an arcuate endor curved foot 26 a and 26 b, respectively. The curved feet 26 a and 26b generally curve outwardly and away from each other, although inwardcurvature is also contemplated by the invention. The wings 22 a and 22 btypically have sufficient resiliency so as to enable the wings to bendor flex outwardly, and will apply a biasing force downwardly andinwardly in response to an upward force moving there against.

[0042] Tabs 28 a and 28 b further are formed from or attached to aninner portion of each wing 22 a and 22 b. Each tab 28 a and 28 b isgenerally rectangularly shaped with each of the tabs 28 a and 28 bremaining attached to the wings 22 a and 22 b, respectively, along afirst or upper edge at a point of attachment 30 a and 30 b,respectively. The points of attachment 30 a and 30 b of each tab 28 aand 28 b, respectively, and the wings are disposed between the joint 18and the shoulders 24 a or 24 b of the wings to which the tabs areattached. Each tab is bent inwardly from the wing to which it isattached toward the opposite wing. As shown in FIG. 5b, the angle atwhich each tab is bent with respect to its wing typically isapproximately 45%, with the tabs 28 a and 28 b further generallyextending in substantially parallel alignment.

[0043] A section of each tab 28 a and 28 b generally is also formed andbent to form a catch 32 a and 32 b, respectively. Each catch 32 a and 32b includes a prong 34 a and 34 b, formed or attached along innerportions of the tabs 28 a and 28 b. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, theprongs 34 a and 34 b are generally rectangularly shaped and are attachedto the tabs at lower or second edges thereof. The prongs 34 a and 34 beach are bent at their points of attachment inwardly from the tabs 28 aand 28 b, so that they extend inwardly and upwardly at an angle relativeto the tabs 28 a and 28 b. The catches 32 a and 32 b also includetongues 36 a and 36 b, respectively, which are bent outwardly from thetabs. Tongue 36 a cooperates with prong 34 a, as does tongue 36 b withprong 34 b, to form a lower receiving surface that may accept the bulbof a T-bar, as explained below.

[0044]FIGS. 2b, 3 b, 4 b and 5 b provide dimensions for one example ofthe embodiment of the seismic clip 10 for purposes of illustration. Asan example, the seismic clip may be approximately 1 to 3 inches widefrom the edge of one foot to another. The clip may be approximately 1 to2 inches high, from the joint to the bottom surface of the feet. It willalso be understood that the present invention further encompassesseismic clips with dimensions that vary from those provided, since thedimensions of the seismic clip used with a particular suspended ceilingsystem will vary depending upon the dimensions and compositions of theother ceiling system components. Further, while the seismic clip 10 isshown herein as having two wings, the present invention also encompassesa clip have only one of each of the wings, feet, tabs, prongs, catchesand shoulders.

[0045]FIGS. 6a, 7 a and 8 a illustrate various embodiments of thesuspended ceiling systems of the present invention. In each embodiment,one or more seismic clips cooperate with both the system grid and thesystem ceiling panels to maintain those panels in place during a seismicevent.

[0046]FIG. 6a shows a suspended ceiling system 100 formed of a ceilinggrid 60 supporting panels 50 and 51 and clips 10 and 75 or 76. Clips 10can be seismic clips as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 1-5 b. Clips 75and 76 are vector border clips that are used to help secure ceilingpanels in position adjacent a wall. The grid 60 generally includesT-bars 40 and stabilizer bars 47. As shown in FIG. 6b, the grid 60 restsupon a molding flange 70, which is attached to a wall of the room inwhich the suspended ceiling system 100 is disposed. The seismic clips 10of the present invention are placed along the grid 60 so that theyengage ceiling panels 50. Depending upon the size of the grid 60 and thepanels 50 more than one or more seismic clips 10 may be positioned tocooperate with a particular edge of a panel.

[0047]FIGS. 6c, 6 d and 6 e illustrate the different edge profiles ofceiling panels that may be used within the suspended ceiling system ofthe present invention. The A and B profiles are generically referred towithin the drawings as the kerfed edges. In general, on a given ceilingpanel, an edge having an A profile will be opposed by an edge having a Bprofile and the other two edges will have C/D profiles. The A and Bprofiles are generally configured so that the flange of a T-bar may beinserted into a slot in the profile, whereas profiles C and D aregenerally configured for a flange to be positioned above the lip of theprofile when the ceiling panel is disposed within the grid.

[0048]FIGS. 7a and 7 b illustrate another suspended ceiling system 200of the present invention. Again, seismic clips 10 are shown attached toT-bars and cooperating with the kerfed edges of ceiling panels 50 so asto hold the panels in place during a seismic event. This suspendedceiling system 200 includes spring border clips 77 that act to helpsecure the outer boundary panels 51 of the system. A molding flange 70,as shown in FIG. 7b, supports the outer boundary panels 51 of thissystem 200.

[0049]FIGS. 8a and 8 b show yet another embodiment 300 of the suspendedceiling system of the present invention. This system 300 includes a grid360 supporting panels 50 and 51, and an assortment of clips 10, 80 and81. In this embodiment, the seismic clips 10 engage and hold the kerfededges of the panels 50 in place, while woodworks vector clips 80 areattached to the outer boundary panels 51 and rest on molding flange 70.

[0050]FIG. 9 illustrates how some of the components of a suspendedceiling system of the present invention cooperate to maintain ceilingpanels in place adjacent the system grid. The system grid includes T-bar40, which is joined in a network to other T-bars within the suspendedceiling system. T-bar 40 includes center bar 41 that has a bulb 42attached at the top end and a flange 44 attached at the bottom end. SideB of panel 52 and side A of panel 50 are both joined to flange 44.Panels 50 and 52 are suspended within the ceiling system in part bythese connections with T-bar 40, with a seismic clip 10 is mounted overT-bar 40. When installed, the seismic clip 10 is urged down over a T-bar40. During this process, the lower surfaces of catches 32 a and 32 bslide over the bulb 42 of the T-bar and bias tabs 28 a and 28 b outward.Once the prongs 34 a and 34 b clear the lower edges of bulb 42, tabs 28a and 28 b bias the catches 32 a and 32 b with prongs 34 a and 34 binwardly so as to capture the bulb of the T-bar between the prongs 34 aand 34 b so that they cannot move upward past the bulb 42 without beingmoved outwardly away from the T-bar 40 so as to clear the bottom of bulb42.

[0051] The seismic clip 10 of the present invention generally is sizedso that, as the prongs 34 a and 34 b clear the bottom of bulb 42, thefeet 26 a and 26 b come into biased, engaging contact with the topsurfaces of panels 52 and 50, respectively. The seismic clip 10 furthermay be sized or designed such that a predetermined amount of pressure isapplied by the feet 26 a and 26 b against the panels 52 and 50,respectively, when the seismic clip 10 is fastened to a T-bar 40. Eachpanel within the suspended ceiling system also may have one or moreseismic clips aligned along a side thereof so that one or more sides ofthe ceiling panel, as appropriate, can be held down by multiple seismicclips.

[0052] When the suspended ceiling system is arranged, upward force onthe panels 50 and 52 is resisted by seismic clip 10, although theresistance can be overcome with a reasonable level of manual force ifnecessary. However, the seismic clip 10 does not inhibit lateralmovement of the ceiling panels 50 and 52, which may be necessary toinstall and remove the panels. Each wing 22 a and 22 b will tend to bendupward and/or outward when upward force is applied to the bottoms offeet 26 a and 26 b and will correspondingly tend to resist such upwardforce with a biased downward and/or inward counter force. As a result,if the suspended ceiling system is subjected to a seismic event, such asan earthquake, any tendency of the panels 50 and 52 to move upwardduring the event will be resisted by seismic clip 10. Without theability to move upwardly, the ceiling panels cannot become dislodgedfrom the ceiling system. Consequently, the panels are not subject todamage from becoming dislodged and do not pose safety hazards as fallingobjects. Furthermore, the seismic clips 10 may serve to help dampen theeffects of vibration on the ceiling panels and also allow installationand removal of the ceiling panels even while the seismic clip isinstalled.

[0053]FIGS. 8a and 10 a-12 b illustrate an embodiment of the safety clip81 of the present invention. In this embodiment, each safety clip 81 isformed from a metal band 89, such as by die-cutting, stamping or othermetal forming processes. However, the present invention also encompassessafety clips that are formed from more than one piece of material. Thematerial from which the safety clip is formed may be, for example,galvanized steel, although various other metals, alloys and syntheticmaterials that are suitable for use in suspended ceiling systems andthat meet the necessary building code requirements also may be used. Thesafety clip 81 includes a base 82 having an arm 83 that extends upwardlyaway from the base at an angle and ends in a hook 84. As shown, the hook84 includes a bight portion 85 attached to arm 83, and a leg 86extending downwardly from the bight portion 85, although it iscontemplated that the hook may include simply a substantiallycontinuously curved or arcuate section. The leg 86 further generally isangled away from arm 83. The base 82 includes an aperture 88 throughwhich a screw or other fastener may be inserted so as to fasten thesafety clip 81 to a ceiling panel.

[0054]FIGs. 10b, 11 b and 12 b provide dimensions for one example of theembodiment of the safety clip 81 for purposes of illustration. As anexample, the safety clip may be approximately 3 to 4 inches long fromthe end of the leg to the end of the base. The safety clip may beapproximately 2 to 3 inches high, from the base to the bight portion.The arm may be angled away from the base at an angle of between about 90degrees to about 120 degrees. The leg 86 may be angled away from thebight portion at an angle of between about 90 degrees to about 110degrees. It will also be understood that the present invention furtherencompasses safety clips with dimensions that vary from those provided,since the dimensions of the safety clip used with a particular suspendedceiling system will vary depending upon the dimensions and compositionsof the other ceiling system components.

[0055]FIG. 8a shows the safety clip 81 arranged within suspended ceilingsystem 300. The safety clips 81 are fastened to the upper surfaces ofceiling panels 50 and 51 by fasteners 91. The safety clips 81 arealigned adjacent the edges of the ceiling panels 50 and 51 so that theirarms 82 extend upwardly and away from the panels and toward the T-bars40 and/or molding flanges 70. Hooks 84 are, in turn, generally alignedabove the T-bars and/or molding flanges 70, although they need not bedirectly aligned above the T-bars and/or molding flanges. As shown inFIG. 8a, the safety clips 81 typically do not engage the T-bars ormolding flanges when the ceiling panels 50 and 51 are in their normalinstalled positions within the suspended ceiling system 300. Furtherduring installation of the panels, the arms of the safety clips 81 maybe bent or flexed away from the T-bars as they are moved up and past theadjacent T-bars and/or molding flanges.

[0056] In the event that a ceiling panel becomes dislodged and fallsfrom its predetermined position within the suspended ceiling system,whether by a seismic event, a force being applied to the panels by anindividual or some other jarring occurrence or event, the hook of thesafety clip engages the T-bar or molding flange, thereby preventing theceiling panel from falling more than a limited distance and beingcompletely dislodged from the ceiling grid. The safety clip also may beused in conjunction with the seismic clip, as shown in FIG. 8a, orseparately from it. The safety clip further may be used with large heavypanels, such as those made of wood, or other types panels that may beawkward to handle.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 13, 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D the method ofinstalling the seismic clips 10 and panels 50, 52 in the grid openingsof the ceiling grid will be described. For ease of explanation andunderstanding, the installation of panel 50 will be used, however thesame method applies to the other panels 52.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 13, the seismic clip is installed on the beamsor T-bar 40 prior to insertion or installation of panels 50, 52. Aspreviously described, once the prongs 34 a and 34 b of the seismic clipclear the lower edges of bulb 42, tabs 28 a and 28 b bias the catches 32a and 32 b with prongs 34 a and 34 b inwardly so as to capture the bulbof the T-bar between the prongs 34 a and 34 b so that they cannot moveupward past the bulb 42 without being moved outwardly away from theT-bar so as to clear the bottom of bulb 42. In this position, curvedfeet 26 a and 26 b are spaced from the flange of the T-bar 40 in boththe horizontal and vertical direction. The spacing X between the flangeand each respective foot is less than the thickness of the panels asmeasured between the upper surface of the panel and the top wall of thekerf.

[0059] With the clip 10 properly positioned on the T-bar 40, the panel50 is brought into position toward the ceiling in an inclined position,as shown in FIG. 14A, with edge A uppermost. Each panel has a kerf 133provided at an edge A at a lower level in the panel than kerf 135 inedge B. Both kerfs extend in horizontal planes. As this occurs, aportion of the panel proximate edge A engages wing 22 b causing the wing22 b to be resiliently displaced in the direction of arrow K. Theconfiguration of curved foot 26 a acts as a lead in surface tofacilitate the insertion or installation of the panel 50. Theconfiguration of the foot prevents the free edge thereof from distortingor digging into the panel during installation of the panels. Otherconfigurations of feet 26 a and 26 b can be used without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

[0060] As seen in FIG. 14B, the installation of the panel 50 continuesas the kerf 133 in edge A engages with the grid flange side 128 to forma hinge to pivot the panel 50 to a generally horizontal position in theceiling system, against the grid 60, wherein lower lip 141 on edge Babuts flange side 129. As this point, the kerf 135 in edge B will alignwith the adjacent flange side 129. As this occurs, a portion of thepanel proximate edge B engages wing 22 a causing the wing 22 a to beresiliently displaced in the direction of arrow L. The configuration ofcurved foot 26 b acts as a lead in surface to facilitate the insertionor installation of the panel 50. As previously described for curved foot26 a, the configuration of the foot prevents the free edge thereof fromdistorting or digging into the panel during installation of the panels.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 14C, the entire panel is then shifted, ortranslated, toward the right toward edge B to seat the kerf 135 in edgeB on its adjacent flange side 129 on the grid 60. This movement occursin a direction which is essentially parallel to the plane of the ceilinggrid. As this shift occurs, the kerf 133 in edge A slides away from andout of its adjacent flange, permitting edge A to drop until it reachesthe tread 139 of registration step 136, as seen in FIG. 14D. The panel50 now lies in the horizontal plane of the ceiling, since the level ofthe tread 139 of the registration step 136 in edge A is the same as thatof the upper side 30 of kerf in edge B, as seen in FIG. 14D. Theconfiguration of the feet also facilitates the sliding movement of thepanel. As previously described, the free edge of each foot does not diginto the panel, and therefore does not retard the sliding movement ofthe panel.

[0062] The panel 50 can be slightly shifted back to the left against thevertical riser 134 of registration step 136, in what in effect is afeedback effect. This enables the installer to readily and virtuallyautomatically minutely position the panel horizontally with a minimum ofvisual judgment, using simply a technique of feel.

[0063] In the position shown in FIG. 14D, the wings 22 a and 22 b aremaintained in a slightly stressed position, such that a downward force,as represented by arrows M, is applied to the panels. Consequently, theuse of the seismic clip maintains the panels in the position shown inFIG. 14D. In this position the cooperation of the flange side 129 andthe registration step 136 of tread 139 prevent the lateral movement ofthe panel.

[0064] For removal, the steps necessary to install the panel 50 arereversed. In order to begin the removal process, an upward force isapplied to the panel 50. The upward force must be sufficient to overcomethe resistance of the seismic clip 10. With the resistance of theseismic clip overcome, the seismic clip 10 does not inhibit lateralmovement of the ceiling panels 50 and 52, which may be necessary toinstall and remove the panels. Each wing 22 a and 22 b will tend to bendupward and/or outward when upward force is applied to the bottoms offeet 26 a and 26 b by the panels. However in a seismic event, in which amanual force is not applied to the bottom of the panel, the seismic clipwill apply a sufficient force to the panel to resist such seismic forcewith a biased downward and/or inward counter force. As a result, if thesuspended ceiling system is subjected to a seismic event, such as anearthquake, any tendency of the panels 50 and 52 to move upward duringthe event will be resisted by seismic clip 10. Without the ability tomove upwardly, the ceiling panels cannot become dislodged from theceiling system. Consequently, the panels are not subject to damage frombecoming dislodged and do not pose safety hazards as falling objects.Furthermore, the seismic clips 10 may serve to help dampen the effectsof vibration on the ceiling panels and also allow installation andremoval of the ceiling panels even while the seismic clip is installed.

[0065] While particular embodiments of the present invention that havebeen discussed and disclosed herein represent the best mode known ofcarrying out the invention, other embodiments will suggest themselves topersons skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. Therefore, itwill be understood that variations, additions, deletions, andmodifications to the illustrated embodiments not specifically discussedherein may be affected without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as set forth in the claims and that the scope of theinvention should be limited only by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of assembling a group of component, thegroup having a ceiling grid of intersecting beams forming grid openings,clips which cooperate with the grid, and panels each of which is adaptedto fit into, and extend horizontally within a respective grid opening,the method comprising the steps of: inserting respective clips ontorespective beams of the grid prior to installation of a respective panelinto a grid opening; installing the respective panel at an angle throughthe respective grid opening, such that the respective panel engages andresiliently deforms a first respective clip; moving the respective panelin a direction which is essentially parallel to the plane of the ceilinggrid, causing the respective panel to engage and resiliently deform asecond respective clip; aligning the respective panel in proper positionin the respective grid opening such that the respective panel isproperly seated in the respective grid opening, whereby the respectiveclips exert a force on the respective panel to maintain the panel in theproperly seated position.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1 whereinthe clips have curved feet which cooperate with upper surfaces of thepanels when the panels are installed and seated in the grid openings. 3.The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the curved feet are configuredto act as lead in surfaces to properly guide the panels during theinstallation of the panels into the grid openings.
 4. The method asrecited in claim 3 wherein the beams have upper sections and flangeswhich extend from lower sections thereof.
 5. The method as recited inclaim 4 wherein prongs of the clips extend beyond the upper sections ofthe beams when the clips are inserted onto the beams, tabs, attached tothe prongs, are biased inward so as to capture the upper sections tomaintain the clips in position on the beams.
 6. The method as recited inclaim 5 wherein the curved feet are spaced from the flanges a distancewhich is less than the thickness of the panels, such that as the panelsare fully installed, the clips exert a force on the panels to maintainthe panels in a properly seated position.
 7. The method as recited inclaim 1 wherein the panels have kerfs provided at opposed edges thereof,the kerfs cooperate with flanges of the beams as the panels areinstalled and properly positioned on the beams.
 8. The method as recitedin claim 7 wherein respective kerfs have treads and vertical risersprovided proximate to each other, such that when the panels are properlyseated in the grid openings, the clip exerts sufficient force on thepanel to maintain the flanges in engagement with the treads whilepreventing the flanges from moving beyond the vertical risers.
 9. Themethod as recited in claim 1 wherein an upward force is applied to abottom surface of the respective panel in order to remove the respectivepanel from the respective grid opening, the upward force beingsufficient to allow the spring forces of the respective clips to beovercome such that the respective panel may be slide and angled relativeto the grid.
 10. A suspended ceiling system comprising: a ceiling gridhaving grid openings, the ceiling grid having flanges which extendproximate the grid openings; panels positioned in the grid openings, thepanels have kerfs extending from edges thereof, the kerfs cooperate withthe flanges of the ceiling grid to support the panels in the gridopenings, the kerfs being dimensioned to allow the panel to move bothvertically and horizontally with respect to the plane of the ceilinggrid as the panels are installed or removed from the grid openings;clips received on and maintained in position on the ceiling grid,portions of the clips cooperate with the panels to apply a force to thepanels to maintain the panels in a properly seated position in the gridopening, the clip has arcuate ends which engage the panels, whereby whenan appropriate force is applied to the panels, the arcuate ends for theclips will cooperate with panels to prevent damage of the panels as theclips are resiliently deformed to allow the panels to be removed fromthe grid openings.
 11. The system as recited in claim 10 wherein thearcuate ends of the clips cooperate with upper surfaces of the panelswhen the panels are installed and seated in the grid openings.
 12. Thesystem as recited in claim 11 wherein the arcuate ends configured to actas lead in surfaces to properly guide the panels during the installationof the panels into the grid openings.
 13. The system as recited in claim12 wherein the ceiling grid has beams have upper sections and lowersections, the flanges extend from the lower sections.
 14. The system asrecited in claim 13 wherein prongs of the clips extend beyond the uppersections of the beams when the clips are inserted onto the beams, tabs,which extend from the prongs, are biased inward so as to capture theupper sections to maintain the clips in position on the beams.
 15. Thesystem as recited in claim 14 wherein when the clips are in anunstressed position, the arcuate ends are spaced from the flanges adistance which is less than the thickness of the panels, such that asthe panels are fully installed, the clips exert a force on the panels tomaintain the panels in a properly seated position.
 16. The system asrecited in claim 10 wherein the panels have kerfs provided at opposededges thereof, the kerfs cooperate with flanges of the beams as thepanels are installed and properly positioned on the beams.
 17. Thesystem as recited in claim 16 wherein respective kerfs have treads andvertical risers provided proximate to each other, such that when thepanels are properly seated in the grid openings, the clip exertssufficient force on the panel to maintain the flanges in engagement withthe treads while preventing the flanges from moving beyond the verticalrisers.
 18. A clip for use to maintain ceiling panels in positionrelative to ceiling grids during a seismic occurrence, the clipcomprising: at least one wing member with an arcuate free end, the atleast one wing member having sufficient resiliency so as to enable theat least one wing to bend outwardly and exert a biasing force downwardlyand inwardly in response to an upward force applied thereto; a tabattached to the at least one wing member, the tab has a prong extendingtherefrom, the prong tab extends inwardly and upwardly at an anglerelative to the tab, the prong being dimensioned to cooperate with theceiling grid to maintain the clip in position relative to the ceilinggrid.
 19. The clip as recited in claim 18 wherein two wing members areprovided, the arcuate ends extending outwardly and away from each other.20. The clip as recited in claim 19 wherein tongues extend from and arebent outwardly from the tabs, the tongues and tabs cooperate to form alower receiving surface which may accept ceiling grid.